Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly “trying to establish themselves” in the United States. However, an expert stated that they “really are nobodies” in the country without their connections to the British Royal Family.

Express UK reported that the claims have come from Pauline Maclaran, a Professor of Marketing and Consumer Research at Royal Holloway. She warned that the former working royals’ brand relies on their ties to the British Royals.

The expert asserted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s “unique selling point” are their “humanitarian” efforts. But, their “high profile” statuses come from their “titles,” as well as their “associations with British royalty.”

Maclaran pointed out, though, that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are losing the “royal magic.” She explained that they would lose more of it when they “stay away” for much longer.

Accordingly, she urges the former working royals to “top up their associations with royalty.” She added that both the British Royal Family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would “benefit from some kind of reconciliation.”

In the end, the expert claimed that the Sussex pair needs their connections to the royals and must maintain them. As for the Royal Family, she stated that they “need the diversity [Harry and Meghan] bring,” but “it was pretty sad they lost that.”

The statements come after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to stay in the United States during the Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip. The pair, who are parents to two, missed the special memorial service for the late royal due to undisclosed reasons.

Earlier in March, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released an official statement regarding their attendance at the event. As revealed, the former working royals would not return to the United Kingdom, “but hopes to visit [Queen Elizabeth II] as soon as possible.”

Page Six said that many were expecting that the Sussexes would be at the service. It was, also, thought that they would then finally introduce their second child to the rest of the British Royal Family.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have since received criticisms from experts, commentators, and the public. But, all eyes are now on their potential attendance at the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.

Speculations are reportedly “high” over whether they will make an appearance at the historic event. But, some experts have doubts, noting that it is “unlikely” for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to fly back to the United Kingdom.